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Mamata Banerjee's Absence Raises Eyebrows

The political landscape in West Bengal has become heated following Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's absence from the NITI Aayog meeting held in New Delhi on Saturday. While no official reason was provided for her non-attendance, sources from the Trinamool Congress have hinted at underlying issues.

In the previous NITI Aayog meeting, Banerjee had participated but left abruptly after claiming that her microphone was turned off during her speech. This time, she chose not to attend the meeting chaired by the Prime Minister.

India aims to become a developed nation by 2047. During the NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting, the Prime Minister discussed this goal with the Chief Ministers, emphasizing that the country's development hinges on the progress of its states.

Mamata's Frustration Over Previous Meeting

Mamata Banerjee's decision to skip this meeting stems from her dissatisfaction with the previous session, where she felt her voice was stifled. She expressed that her microphone was turned off, preventing her from addressing issues concerning Bengal. The last meeting took place on July 27, where ten states and union territories were absent.

Mamata's Discontent with the Process

BJP Criticizes Mamata's Absence

The BJP has seized upon Mamata's absence from the NITI Aayog meeting. Party spokesperson Shamik Bhattacharya remarked that during the last meeting, she had complained about her microphone being turned off, a claim that was not supported by officials. He pointed out that West Bengal is already lagging behind, with many migrant workers leaving the state and local talents seeking opportunities elsewhere.

Trinamool's Justification for Non-Attendance

In response to Mamata's absence, Trinamool leader Jayprakash Majumdar stated that the NITI Aayog meeting should facilitate discussions in line with the federal structure. He criticized the previous incident where her microphone was turned off, questioning the purpose of attending a meeting where such disrespect occurs. He emphasized that Mamata is highlighting Bengal's marginalization and criticized the central government's approach.

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